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When it comes to carve-outs, we get it, your primary focus is speed and capturing quick wins. You’ve mapped the finances, streamlined operations, and set the stage for efficiency. But here’s the truth: overlooking culture is like building a house on sand. It may look solid at first, but cracks show quickly when the pressure is on.
At Lodestone, when we talk about culture, we mean the shared behaviors, leadership norms, and decision-making patterns that shape how work gets done. It’s how people align, how they prioritize, and how they respond to pressure. In a carve-out, that operating rhythm gets disrupted. If you’re not deliberately shaping it, you’re leaving performance—and value—up to chance.
According to recent research from McKinsey, carve-outs with intentional cultural planning significantly outperform those without. Teams aligned early on cultural expectations deliver quicker returns, better EBITDA performance, and face fewer bumps post-close. Conversely, TMF Group notes that overlooking culture often results in talent drain, diminished productivity, and chaotic integrations, all of which are bottom-line killers. And if numbers don’t lie, then private equity firms should take notice.
At Lodestone, we approach carve-outs with eyes wide open. We know the real magic happens when we bridge leadership assessments, cultural diligence, and targeted integration support from day one. It’s not soft or fluffy—it’s strategic. Ensuring your carve-out team feels aligned and valued is the most underrated lever you can pull for quick wins and sustained success.
So, the next time you’re slicing off a business unit or standing up a new entity, don’t underestimate the power of culture. It’s the invisible thread weaving together your strategy, people, and profits.
Ready to talk cultural diligence that moves your bottom line? So are we. Grab a time with Lydia Rominger here!
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